Pouch with embedded portable power charger

ABSTRACT

A pouch has at least one opening. A power charger is securely positioned in the pouch such that at least a power button, a power connection port, and a charge level indicator of the power charger are directly accessible and visible via the at least one opening of the pouch. At least one layer of the pouch is formed of an RFID barrier material. A plurality of interchangeable power cables may be provided connectable with the power charger and stowable in the pouch or in a pocket adjacent the pouch.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a non-provisional of, claims the benefit under 35USC §119(e) of, and incorporates herein by reference U.S. Pat. App.61/974,691 “Purse with Embedded Portable Power Charger” filed Apr. 3,2014.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The invention relates to portable devices (“power chargers”) thatincorporate batteries for recharging the batteries of other portabledevices. In general, a power charger includes an internal (optionallyrechargeable) battery unit for connecting to and recharging one or moreelectronic device, as necessary, and at least one power connection portfor connecting the charger unit with at least one electronic device, oran external power source, or both. Particular embodiments relate tomeans for efficiently indicating the charge levels of such portabledevices. Particular embodiments relate to fashion accessories forefficiently transporting and accessing power chargers while protectingvulnerable contents from remote scanning.

2. Discussion of Art

Present day consumers typically own several electronic devicesspecifically designed for portability and use on-the-go, including, forexample, a mobile phone or smart phone, a portable music player like aniPod® or an MP3 player, a tablet, a portable gaming unit, and the like.Each of these devices requires recharging. However, when such a devicemust be connected to an external (fixed location) power supply forrecharging, it becomes difficult to make use of the recharging device incustomary ambulatory manner, as the device has become tethered to thefixed location.

Additionally, different electronic devices may utilize distinct powerconnection ports or interfaces that are not mutually compatible with asingle charging cable—e.g., USB®, Lightning®, or 30-pin Apple®connectors. Thus, a consumer may need to carry around several differentcharging cables and possibly different charging adapters.

Further, it may be the case that a portable device runs out of power ina location where no power source is readily available, or while its useris in transit between fixed locations. In such case a consumer maybecome unable to use the portable device until arriving at a differentlocation where a power source is available.

On occasion, an electronic device needs a small amount of charge tofinish a task before the device powers down due to insufficient batterycapacity. For example, a user on a call using a mobile phone may wish tofinish the call, but cannot find a power source to plug into, may nothave enough time to get to a power source, or may not have theappropriate charging cable with her at the time. As noted, if the phoneis plugged into a traditional power source, like a wall socket, it isdifficult to continue using the phone as desired.

Accordingly, portable power chargers have been provided for on-the-gouse. However, such power chargers often are inconvenient to transport.In particular, it is highly unlikely that a consumer will want tocontinuously hand-carry a power charger, as typical power chargers havea very industrial, technological look, and while they can be made moreaesthetically pleasing by using different colors or decorative covers,they still have the general look of an electronic device. Thus, powerchargers often are shoved into more convenient and/or more aestheticcarrying containers (a purse, backpack, pocket, or the like) in whichthey can become difficult to access. Indeed, given the typicallyunplanned and infrequent nature of using power chargers, it is likelythat such devices will end up in the least-accessible regions of theircarrying containers.

Moreover, further in consideration of the unplanned nature of using apower charger, the likely inaccessibility of a power charger except whena consumer immediately needs to use it, and the tendency of powerchargers to “lose” battery charge over a period of weeks, it is possiblethat a power charger may be depleted of charge, without notice to aconsumer, exactly at the time that the consumer needs to use it.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a charger that can be usedto charge a variety of electronic devices, including but not limited tosmart phones, mobile phones, data tablets, music players, cameras,camcorders, gaming units, e-books, Bluetooth® headsets and earpieces,GPS devices, and the like, either individually or simultaneously invarious combinations, but also having an aesthetically pleasingappearance. Additionally, there is a need for such a charger that isportable, has a compact size, and is easy to use in various conditionsand locations to charge one or more electronic devices simultaneously,including but not limited to in a house or office, a car or an airplane,as well as on-the-go, without compromising operation, performance orappearance. Further, there is a need for a combined charger and chargingcable that is compact, lightweight and easy to transport withoutcompromising its functionality for a user requiring a portable source ofpower. Still further, there is a need for a power charger that can beeasily recharged from an external power source, providing increaseflexibility and convenience of use for the power charger. Moreover,there is a need for a power charger that has an attractive externalappearance and that can be easily carried in an accessible manner alongwith other useful objects.

Additionally, certain sorts of electronic devices or articles, typicallycarried in purses or wallets, increasingly are equipped with NFC (nearfield communication) or RFID (radio frequency identification) typetechnologies, which enable identification or even activation of thesedevices or articles (“vulnerable contents”) without a consumer'sknowledge. For example, both cell phones and credit cards can beequipped with this kind of technology. Indeed, the Mobil SpeedPass wasone of the first exemplars of NFC technology. Although relativelyconvenient for tap-and-pay type transactions, this kind of technologycan render consumers vulnerable to “digital pickpockets.” Therefore,there is a need for protecting these sorts of vulnerable contents frompickpocketing.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a lightweight power charger isprovided with a removably fitted and aesthetic covering that is usableas a purse, clutch, wallet, handbag or the like while maintaining thepower charger in easy access for charging one or more electronic deviceswhile also being usable as a fashion accessory.

Certain embodiments of the invention provide that the removably fittedcovering also includes spaces for receiving credit cards, a mobilephone, or the like “vulnerable contents,” and also incorporates RFIDbarrier material for preventing remote access to or detection of thevulnerable contents.

In one aspect of the present invention, the charger unit comprises acharger housing sized to fit into a purse, clutch, wallet, handbag, orthe like, which provides protection to the charger and improves theaesthetic appearance of the power charger, permitting it to look andfeel more like a fashion accessory than an electronic gadget. Indeed, apurse, clutch, wallet, handbag, or other type of portable fashionaccessory can be designed to fit snugly around the charger housing, orinclude a pocket that receives the charger housing for on-the-go use. Inalternate embodiments, a power charger in accordance with the presentinvention can be designed to fit within a pocket formed into a tote bag,duffel bag, backpack, luggage, or the like, whereby the location andpositioning of the charger within said pocket does not interfere withuse of the charger. In this regard, it is optimal that the charger canbe used while it is embedded within a purse or bag and without requiringit to be removed prior to use.

The charger further includes a rechargeable battery unit disposedtherein and operatively connected to at least one power connection portthat can operate as either a power input (for providing an electricalcharge from an external power source for recharging the internal batteryunit when the charger unit is connected to the external power source) ora power output (for charging the internal batteries of other electronicdevices from the rechargeable battery unit) or both.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the power charger includes apower input connector for connecting the internal battery unit to anexternal power source for recharging, as well as a power connectionoutput port to which a charging cable can be attached to connect thepower charger to one or more electronic devices in need of rechargingfrom the internal battery unit. For example, the power input connectorcan be connected to the charger housing and in operative communicationwith the internal battery unit. When not in use, the power inputconnector can be stored within the purse, for example, in a pocketspecifically designed to receive the connector. The pocket can be closedby a magnetic clasp, a zipper or other known means in the fashionaccessory industry. Alternatively, the connector can be stored within acavity formed in the charger housing. In use, the connector can beflexed away from the charger housing and connected to an external powersource, either directly using an appropriate connection interfaceprovided on the distal end of the connector, or using an adapter unitthan can be connected to the distal end of the connector.

In a preferred design of the portable power charger, at least oneremovable and replaceable charging cable is also connected to thecharger housing. The charging cable includes a first end adapted toconnect to a power connection port of the power charger (e.g., the powerconnection port discussed above) and a second end adapted to connect toan electronic device for recharging from the internal battery of thepower charger. When not in use, the charging cable can be stored withinthe charger housing and maintained within a desired footprint of thecharger housing, or alternately, positioned adjacent the charger housingor the purse so that it is readily available when needed. In oneembodiment, the charging cable can be stored against the purse, with thefirst end inserted within a storage cavity formed in the charger housingand the second end and intermediate cord portion disposed adjacent tothe purse material, or within a pocket in the purse material, or withina storage cavity formed in the charger housing. The storage cavity forthe first end of the charging cable can merely be an empty cavity shapedto snugly receive the first end and its connection interface, oralternatively, comprise a second power connection port with a connectioninterface that complements the interface on the first end. In use—thatis, to recharge an electronic device—the second end of the cable can beflexed away from the charger housing for connection to an electronicdevice.

In preferred embodiments, the charging cable can be removed from thecharger housing and replaced by another charging cable, as desired—forexample, to change out the connection interface on the second end of thecable between a USB, micro-USB, mini-USB, 30-pin, Apple Lightninginterface, or other type of connection interface, which providesflexibility in use. In alternate embodiments, the charging cable can beattached to the charger housing at the first end with the second endbeing stored in a storage cavity when not in use, but flexed away fromthe charger housing for use. Additional cables can also be provided—forexample, for storage on the opposite side of the charger housing. Stillfurther, additional power connection ports can be provided on thecharger housing which can be used as a power connection input forrecharging the internal battery unit of the charger, as a powerconnection output, for connection to additional electronic devices, asneeded, or both.

The power connection port may also comprise means for indicating acharge level of the power charger. In certain embodiments, theconnection port—for example, a standard USB port—is surrounded by aclear plastic housing or cage that can be illuminated by any of aplurality of LEDs (e.g., to light up red, yellow, or green). The LEDswill illuminate the clear plastic housing to indicate the level ofcharge remaining in the internal battery unit. For example: a greenillumination indicates a battery level between about 67% and about 100%;a yellow illumination indicates a battery level between about 34% andabout 66%; a red illumination indicates a battery level of between about0% and about 33%. The LEDs may also be actuated to indicate chargingstatus, e.g., flashing or blinking illumination at a first periodicitymay indicate the power charger is being charged whereas flashing orblinking illumination at a different periodicity may indicate the powercharger is discharging.

In another aspect of the present invention, the power connection porthousing can also act as a power button. For example, the clear plastichousing can be operatively connected to a power switch, which isactivated when a cable is inserted into the power connection port.Similarly, the power charger can turn off when the charging cable isremoved from the power connection port. In alternate embodiments, thepower charger can include an internal timer that turns off the chargerat a predetermined time, or when nothing is attached to the charger todrawn power form the internal battery unit. In other embodiments, thepower switch can be a toggle type switch, such that inserting a cableinto the power connection port toggles the power switch on, anddepressing the power connection port housing (in order to remove thecable) toggles the power switch off. For example, the power switch mayneed to be actuated by the power connection port housing for a specificperiod of time, e.g., in excess of one second to in excess of threeseconds, in order to toggle the power switch off.

In alternate embodiments, additional charging cables and powerconnection ports can be provided within detracting from the spirit orprinciples of the present invention.

In another aspect of the present invention, the power charger can beembedded within a pouch which can then, in turn, be embedded within afashion accessory, such as a purse, clutch, wallet, handbag, or thelike. In this regard, the outer bag would permit easy removal of thepouch if the power charger was needed separate from the outer bag. Thepouch permits charging cables to protrude through the pouch to permitcharging of the internal battery unit and recharging of electronicdevices connected to the power charger.

In accordance with the present invention, a lightweight power charger isprovided with

The varied exemplary embodiments of the invention, as briefly describedabove, are illustrated by certain of the following figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict in perspective views a power charger that includesa charge indicating power button, according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3 shows in cutaway perspective view internal components of thepower charger of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict in perspective views a wristlet pouch that housesthe power charger of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to another embodiment ofthe invention.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show in perspective views a wallet that houses the powercharger of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 depicts in perspective view a clutch that houses the powercharger of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to another embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and aredescribed as relating specifically to portable power chargers enclosedin fashion accessories, aspects of the invention may be applicable to,e.g., power supply devices generally.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict in perspective views a power charger 10 thatincludes a charge indicating power button 12, according to an embodimentof the invention. The power button 12 houses a charging port 13 (e.g., astandard female USB port), and is mounted in a case 14, which includesconnections for power cables 16 (the charging port 13), 18, and 20. Thepower button 12 typically is manufactured of a translucent ortransparent polymer, e.g., PET, acrylic, polycarbonate, HDPE. It can becast or machined. The case 14 typically also is manufactured of apolymer, and typically is injection molded as two pieces that are splitalong a midplane. The cables 16, 18, 20 are commercially available withdifferent connecting ends. The cable 16 typically has one end standardmale USB, for plugging into the standard female USB port 13. The powerbutton 12 may be configured around the power connection port 13, suchthat plugging in the cable 16 will cause the power button 12 to bedepressed against a light spring (not shown), thereby actuating aninternal switch (shown in FIG. 3) so as to deliver power from a batteryto the power connection port 13. The cables 18 and 20 may be integrallyattached into the case 14, as shown for example in FIGS. 1-3.Alternatively, one or both of the cables 18 and 20 may also bedetachable like the cable 16, as shown for example in FIGS. 4 and 5. Incase the cable(s) 18 and/or 20 are detachable from the power charger 10,they may be provided with differing ends, e.g., each may have amicro-USB end, a standard USB end, or another commonly used plug forconnecting to the power charger 10 and a different plug end such asmicro-USB, Lightning®, or 30-pin for connecting to a portable device tobe charged from the power charger 10. Other plug ends are known or willbecome known to ordinary skilled workers, and are not excepted from thescope of the invention although not expressly listed.

Referring to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the case 14 can be assembled oftwo injection-molded halves that are fastened across a midplane byscrews, pegs, or similar mechanical fasteners; or, alternatively, byfriction welding, ultrasonic welding, epoxy or other adhesives. The case14 houses a battery 22 as well as a battery control module 24. Thebattery control module 24 operatively connects the battery 22 with thepower connection port 13, the cable 18, and the cable 20, as well aswith the internal switch 26 and with at least one LED (in certainembodiments, at least three LEDs of differing colors 27, 28, 29). Thepower button 12 can be configured as a cage around the power connectionport 13, such that pushing the power button inward will actuate theinternal switch 26. The internal switch 26 may be a spring-returnswitch, and may operate with the battery control module 24 either as anormally-off switch (i.e. the battery control module will permitdischarge of the battery 22 via the power connection port 13 and/oreither of the cables 18, 20 only when the internal switch 26 is actuatedby the power button 12) or as a toggle switch (i.e. the battery controlmodule 24 will permit discharge of the battery 22 in response to theinternal switch being actuated, and will continue to permit discharge ofthe battery 22 until the internal switch is again actuated). In certainembodiments of the invention, the battery control module 24 may beconfigured to require a specific actuation of the internal switch 26 inorder to interrupt discharge of the battery 22. For example, the batterycontrol module 24 may be configured to require that the internal switch26 is actuated for at least a set period of time, e.g., more than aboutone second, or more than about three seconds, so as to interruptdischarge of the battery 22.

The battery control module 24 also can be configured to illuminate theLED or LEDs 27, 28, 29 in response to actuation of the internal switch26. For example, the battery control module 24 can be configured toilluminate one or more of the LEDs 27, 28, 29 while power is deliveredfrom the battery 22 to any of the power connection port 13, the cable18, and/or the cable 20.

For example, the power charger 10 may include only a green LED 27 and ared LED 28. Then during discharge of the battery 22, the battery controlmodule 24 can illuminate the translucent or transparent power button 12by only the green LED 27 in case the battery control module monitors acharge level of the battery 22 that is between about 67% and about 100%;can illuminate the power button by both the green LED 27 and the red LED28 (to provide a yellow or amber light) in case of a charge level of thebattery 22 between about 34% and about 66%; or can illuminate the powerbutton 12 by only the red LED 28 in case of a battery charge level ofbetween about 0% and about 33%.

In other embodiments, the power charger 10 may include only the green(or any other single color) LED 27, in which case, the battery controlmodule 24 can be configured to illuminate the green LED 27 (or any othercolor of LED) when the internal switch 26 is actuated, at a (blinking)duty cycle corresponding to a charge level of the battery 22. In otherwords, the green LED 27 is constant on at 100% battery charge, andblinks less frequently as the battery charge level depletes—e.g., 50%duty cycle at 50% battery level, 20% duty cycle at 20% battery level.

In yet other embodiments, the power charger 10 may include green, red,and yellow LEDs 27, 28, 29. In such embodiments, the battery controlmodule 24 can illuminate the translucent or transparent power button 12by only the green LED 27 in case the battery control module monitors acharge level of the battery 22 that is between about 67% and about 100%;can illuminate the power button by only the yellow LED 29 in case of acharge level of the battery 22 between about 34% and about 66%; or canilluminate the power button 12 by only the red LED 28 in case of abattery charge level of between about 0% and about 33%.

In any embodiment, the battery control module 24 can cause one or moreof the LED(s) to blink while charging the battery 22 from an externalsupply.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, the power charger 10 can be housed inside awristlet pouch 30. The pouch 30 can be fabricated of leather, plastic,or cloth, and can be glued to the external surfaces of the case 14, canbe stitched to closely wrap the case 14, or can be fashioned with a mainpocket that closely fits the case 14 while providing an auxiliary pocketfor stowage of a cell phone, one or more identity cards, cash, or thelike contents. In select embodiments, the pouch 30 includes a layer ofRFID barrier material, which protects vulnerable contents from remoteaccess or scanning. The pouch 30 has a main opening 32, through which atleast the cable 20 is visible and directly accessible. Any auxiliarypocket of the pouch 30 also can be accessed via the opening 32, whichincludes magnetic clasps 34 for securing the opening so as to establishthe RFID barrier material completely enclosing any vulnerable contents.The pouch 30 also includes a wrist strap 36 for ease of carriage. Thepouch 30 can be fabricated specifically of any aesthetic material, e.g.,patterned woven or non-woven fabric, quality leather, or attractivelypatterned plastic. The power button 12 and the power connection port 13are directly accessible and visible through a dedicated opening of thepouch 30, separate from the main opening 32. In certain embodiments thededicated opening may be snugly fitted around the case 14, adjacent thepower button 12, as shown in FIGS. 4-5.

Also as shown in FIGS. 4-5, the pouch 30 can include another dedicatedopening, snugly fitted around or adhered to the case 14, for directaccess of the cable 18 to the case 14. The cable 18 may be formed toremain close to the outer surface of the pouch 30, for example byincluding a right-angle connector as shown in FIG. 5. Also as shown inFIG. 5, the cable 18 can be configured to be detachable from the case14, for example so that when not in use the cable 18 can be stowedwithin the main opening 32 of the pouch 30. This detachableconfiguration can permit of interchanging several cables 18 each havingdifferent terminations, e.g., micro-USB, mini-USB, Lightning, 30-pin,and the like.

FIGS. 6-7 show in perspective views a wallet 40 in which the powercharger 10 can be carried. The wallet 40 contains a fitted compartmentor pouch 42, into which the power charger 10 can be inserted, as well asa flap 44 for closing the pouch 42. The flap 44, as shown, includes awindow that defines a card pocket 46. The flap 44 has a snap closure 48.The pouch 42 is constructed to hold the power charger 10 such that atleast the power button 12, the power connection 13, and the cable 20 aredirectly accessible and visible simply by opening the flap 44.

FIG. 8 depicts in perspective view a clutch 50 that contains a fittedcompartment or pouch 52 in which the power charger 10 is held. The pouch52 is configured such that at least the power button 12, the powerconnection 13, and the cable 20 are directly accessible and visible byopening the clutch 50. The clutch 50 also contains a main pocket 54, inwhich various content (including vulnerable content) can be stowed. Atleast the main pocket 54 is lined with an RFID barrier material. Theclutch 50 can be closed with magnetic clasps as shown in FIGS. 4-5, orwith one or more snaps as shown in FIGS. 6-7.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described withreference to attached drawings. Those skilled in the art will apprehendvariations in form or detail that are consistent with the scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article comprising: a pouch that has at leastone opening; and a power charger securely positioned in the pouch suchthat at least a power button, a power connection port, and a chargelevel indicator of the power charger are directly accessible and visiblevia the at least one opening of the pouch.
 2. The article of claim 1further comprising a wrist strap affixed to the pouch.
 3. The article ofclaim 1 further comprising at least one snap or magnetic clasppositioned to close the at least one opening of the pouch.
 4. Thearticle of claim 1 wherein the pouch has a first opening through whichthe power button, the power connection port, and the charge levelindicator are directly accessible and visible, and the pouch has atleast one additional opening through which at least one power cable isaccessible.
 5. The article of claim 4 wherein the power button, thepower connection port, and the charge level indicator of the powercharger are co-located components and the first opening of the pouch isadhered to the case of the power charger surrounding the co-locatedcomponents.
 6. The article of claim 1 further comprising a pocketadjacent the pouch, the pocket and the pouch together forming acontainer.
 7. The article of claim 6 wherein the container is formed ofat least one layer that includes an RFID barrier material.
 8. Thearticle of claim 6 further comprising at least one power cable stowableinside the container and compatible with the power connection port ofthe power charger.
 9. The article of claim 6 wherein the pocket isformed in a flap that closes the pouch.
 10. The article of claim 6further comprising a plurality of interchangeable cables connectablewith the power charger and stowable in the pocket or in the pouch. 11.The article of claim 1 wherein the pouch is formed of at least one layerthat includes an RFID material.
 12. The article of claim 1 wherein atleast a portion of the pouch is adhered to a case of the power charger.